EAIE Podcast

117. The Rhythm of Revolution: Glasgow awaits!

The countdown to the EAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Glasgow has begun! Between 08 and 11 September 2026, many topics in international higher education will be discussed during sessions, networking events, informal gatherings, and the opening and closing plenaries. As we look toward this exciting gathering, EAIE podcast host Laura Rumbley had the pleasure of interviewing both of our esteemed plenary speakers for this year, Beau Lotto and Lewis Iwu. In these short getting-to-know-you chats with Beau and Lewis, various topics are addressed, ranging from what international living and learning mean to them to how they interpret this year’s conference theme, the Rhythm of Revolution. Get a sneak peek on what’s on the minds of this year’s Keynote speakers and what they plan to talk about in Glasgow by tuning in to this EAIE podcast episode! About Beau Lotto Beau Lotto is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur and world-renowned perception expert whose work bridges neuroscience, design, technology and human behaviour. A three-time TED mainstage speaker with over 10 million views, he is the author of Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently and has shared his insights with the World Economic Forum, Google’s Zeitgeist and TED. He was nominated for the MacArthur Genius Award and the Josef Albers Prize for Disruptive Innovation. About Lewis Iwu Lewis Iwu is a leading expert in public speaking, debate and strategic communication, helping organisations shape arguments and campaigns that drive social change. Over nearly two decades, he has worked with global organisations including the UN, Unilever and Pfizer. A former World Debating Champion, he has participated in or moderated over 1000 debates and is the author of Words That Win. He was named PRWeek’s 2025 Most Purposeful Professional globally. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Glasgow 2026

• Transcript

116. Academic freedom: 25 years and counting

The (international) higher education community continues to grapple with the reality that academic freedom - long regarded as essential to open, democratic societies - remains vulnerable across the globe. Today, scholars face escalating pressures from political forces, censorship, and conflict, while institutions navigate increasingly complex ethical and geopolitical terrain. Scholars at Risk, an international network of higher education institutions and individuals working together to protect scholars and promote academic freedom, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. A quarter century of defending the right to think, to question and to share ideas. But how has this work evolved? What does the landscape look like now, in 2026? And how can institutions and individuals meaningfully contribute to protecting academic freedom in their own contexts? In this EAIE podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley speaks with Robert Quinn, founding Executive Director of Scholars at Risk. Together, they explore how SAR’s mission and activities have developed over the past 25 years, which achievements have been most meaningful, and the threats and opportunities shaping academic freedom today. Don’t miss this thoughtful and forward-looking conversation and tune into this episode of the EAIE Podcast. About Robert Quinn Robert Quinn is a human rights advocate, lecturer, lawyer, and executive director of the Scholars at Risk Network, (SAR) an international movement of over 600 higher education institutions and thousands of individuals in over 50 countries dedicated to protecting at-risk scholars, promoting academic freedom, and defending everyone’s freedom to think, question and share ideas. Robert is a co-editor of Free to Think, SAR’s annual reports on attacks on universities worldwide; co-instructor on the free online course "Dangerous Questions: Why Academic Freedom Matters" (long-form MOOC course, with Futurelearn and short-form mini-course with Amnesty International); and the host of the Free to Think podcast, featuring conversations with inspiring people working at the intersection of power and ideas. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Scholars at Risk – Free to Think → Supporting at-risk researchers in Europe → Encieh Erfani and Daniel Munier: What’s happening in Iran? → Sinead O’Gorman: Academic freedom in a complex world

• Transcript

115. From polarisation to participation

We find ourselves at a time when political tensions, misinformation, and social divides increasingly spill onto university campuses across Europe and beyond. Higher education institutions are trying to respond to growing polarisation and a need to strengthen democratic culture. But how can the foundations for constructive dialogue be secured on our campuses? What’s involved in equipping future citizens with the skills to engage constructively? And how do institutions remain resilient in a rapidly shifting world? In this EAIE podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley speaks with Tatiana Zimenkova, Vice President for Internationalisation and Diversity at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and Arend Hardorff, member of the Executive Board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS; the Netherlands). They discuss the real-world challenges facing higher education institutions eager to foster space for respectful, reasoned conversations on campus amid global conflicts, rising populism, and questions about academic freedom, as well as the responsibility HEIs feel to create safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue. Be sure to tune in to hear about the good practices implemented at these two institutions, how to engage ‘the silent middle' and what these speakers recommend to others eager to address, and ideally reduce, polarisation on campus. About Tatiana Zimenkova Professor Dr habil. Tatiana Zimenkova is Vice President for Internationalisation and Diversity at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Germany), where she is a professor of sociology. She received her doctorate and habilitation in sociology at Bielefeld University. Her goals include further strengthening and developing HSRW’s international character and strategy, as well as increasing visibility and awareness of diversity-related issues. She envisions an inclusive university where each person is empowered and able to achieve their goals. At the same time, her aim is also to enable all members of the university to participate in decision-making processes and the campus community. About Arend Hardorff Arend Hardorff joined the Executive Board at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands) on 1 September 2022. Arend studied Leisure and Tourism Studies at the University of Tilburg. After his studies, he worked as a lecturer and programme manager, and from 2012 to 2018 as Director of the Academy for Leisure at Breda University of Applied Sciences. From August 2018 until August 2022, he was a member of the Executive Board and Dean of Hotelschool The Hague, responsible for Education and Research. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → The Hague Network → Dangerous questions: Why not keep quiet? → Living our EAIE values in times of conflict

• Transcript

114. The Evolving World of Micro‑Credentials

In May 2021, the EAIE podcast published an episode on micro-credentials. At that moment, there was a thrilling mix of excitement and uncertainty surrounding this topic. Would micro-credentials live up to the expectations? How would higher education institutions be transformed, and how would they adapt? Maria Kelo, then the Director of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, answered some of these questions, unaware of what the world would have in store for all of us. We now find ourselves five years later, and we deemed it was time to revisit this topic, which was actually one of the most popular EAIE podcast episodes to date. EAIE Podcast host Laura Rumbly and Maria Kelo, now the director of the Institutional Development Unit at EUA (European University Association), are back to once again dive into the constantly evolving world of micro-credentials. What key developments took place over the last several years? How is the current policy environment shaping the conversation around micro-credentials? And if we look ahead, what might the future have in store for us? Don’t miss out on this episode of the EAIE podcast! About Maria Kelo Maria Kelo is the director of the Institutional Development Unit at EUA (European University Association), which focuses on higher education learning and teaching, recognition, and quality assurance. Before joining EUA in January 2022, Maria was, for over a decade, the Director of ENQA, the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, and a member of the EQAR Executive Board from 2013-2020. She took part in European policy-making processes within the Bologna Process and through cooperation with the European Commission. Prior to joining ENQA, Maria worked for 9 years in international higher education across different European organisations and as a private consultant, gaining significant experience in quality assurance, international higher education, and higher education reform. Maria is a graduate of University College London and the London School of Economics. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EUA – Trends 2024 report → EAIE Podcast: Maria Kelo: The big new world of micro-credentials → EAIE Blog: From micro-credentials to micro-courses: The future of flexible higher education

• Transcript

113. Association milestones: EUA & IAU

We find ourselves at the start of a new year, a moment of both reflection and celebration. In the case of two of the EAIE’s partner associations, there is indeed much to celebrate: IAU, the International Association of Universities, just marked its 75th anniversary in 2025, while EUA, the European University Association, will observe their 25th anniversary now in 2026. These wonderful milestones offer timely reasons to touch base with these impressive associations to reflect on their pasts, consider the main points on their agenda for the new year and look toward the future. In this episode, EAIE Podcast host Laura Rumbley is joined by Amanda Crowfoot, Secretary General of EUA, and Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of IAU, to talk about these impressive milestones. We travel back in time to when these associations were formed to understand their original aspirations. We hear about key moments from the archives and lessons learned over the years. And we get a glimpse into some of the notable directions, priorities and aspirations for these organisations as they plan their next steps. About Amanda Crowfoot Amanda Crowfoot has been Secretary General of the European University Association since January 2020. She is responsible for implementing the Association’s strategic plan, acting as an ambassador for its members and leading its Secretariat. Amanda previously served as the first Director of Science Europe, the association representing major European public research funding and performing organisations. From 2001 to 2012, Amanda worked at the UK Research Office, the Brussels office of the UK research councils, first as a European Advisor and then as Director of the Office. About Hilligje van’t Land Dr Hilligje van’t Land serves the global higher education community as Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU) - a global NGO with UNESCO Associate Status. For the past two decades, she has fostered the key role of higher education in societal transformation. She supervises the overall programme activities at the IAU, develops the Association’s strategic plans and oversees the everyday work of the secretariat. She positioned the IAU as a UNESCO partner in work on Education for Sustainable Development and the Futures of Education Initiative, and is an advocate for higher education as a key stakeholder for the UN Agenda 2030 – Transforming our World. Dr van’t Land represents the IAU in various working groups and expert committees at the UN and UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and organisations around the world. She publishes on higher education issues that are relevant locally and globally. She holds a PhD in comparative francophone literature, held T&L and Research positions in the Netherlands, Canada and France. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EUA – Universities without walls: A vision for 2030 → EUA - How universities can protect and promote academic freedom: EUA principles and guidelines → IAU – Strategy 2030 → IAU - IAU Horizons: Dimensions of Trust in Higher Education → EAIE Podcast: Fanta Aw & LaNitra Berger: NAFSA turns 75!

112. Next generation research on internationalisation, part 2

At the EAIE, we believe that advancing international higher education starts with empowering the people behind the ideas. Guided by this commitment, we were thrilled to announce our first round of EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners in September 2025. The grants reflect our commitment to inspiring and uniting the community throughout the year by connecting professionals, policy-makers and scholars through ideas that matter. This initiative helps open doors to new voices, fresh insights, and research that can shape a more inclusive and responsible future. In this episode, part 2 of a short podcast series, we meet the final two of our five EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners. Rúna Gudmarsdóttir (Tilburg University, Netherlands & Rannis) and Aurélie Kono (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland & Ludwigsburg University of Education, Germany) join podcast host Laura Rumbley to introduce themselves and tell us more about their research projects. What sparked their interest in pursuing a doctoral degree, how do they expect their research to make an impact on actual practice within the field and what are they hoping to achieve during this year of EAIE funding? Tune in to find out more! About Rúna Gudmarsdóttir and Aurélie Kono Aurélie Kono is a programme manager at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland and a part-time PhD student in Education Management at the Ludwigsburg University of Education, Germany. Before her current role, she worked in higher education institutions in Japan and Germany, gaining experience in programme and enrolment management, international student recruitment and international cooperation and partnerships. Aurélie holds a joint MA in International Education Management, with distinction, from the Ludwigsburg University of Education, Germany and Helwan University, Egypt. She also earned an online diploma in Management of Higher Education Internationalisation from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico and a BA in Foreign Languages, Literature and History from the Catholic University of the West, France. Rúna Vigdís Gudmarsdóttir is a PhD candidate at Tilburg University. She has worked on internationalisation in education since 2007, starting at the Icelandic National Agency for the Lifelong Learning Programme and later at the University of Iceland. From 2013 to 2017, she worked with the Erasmus+ Higher Education team at DG Education and Culture, focusing on programme management and impact assessment. In her role as the Director of the National Agency at Rannís, Rúna oversees all six sectors of Erasmus+ and represents Iceland in the European Network for the Recognition of Prior Learning (ERPL). Additionally, she serves as an administrator in the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) and co-leads a working group on social inequalities within the European Network for International Student Mobility (ENIS). Rúna holds an undergraduate degree from the Iceland University of Education and two master’s degrees in Intercultural Education from Freie Universität Berlin and Applied Linguistics from the University of Sussex. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Research Snapshot library → Announcing the 2025 EAIE Doctoral Research Grant awardees

111. Next generation research on internationalisation, part 1

At the EAIE, we believe that advancing international higher education starts with empowering the people behind the ideas. Guided by this commitment, we were thrilled to announce our first round of EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners in September 2025. The grants reflect our commitment to inspiring and uniting the community throughout the year—connecting professionals, policy-makers and scholars through ideas that matter. This initiative helps open doors to new voices, fresh insights and research that can shape a more inclusive and responsible future. In this episode, which is part one of two, we meet three of the five EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners. Eveke de Louw (The Hague University of Applied Sciences; University of Groningen), Stanislav Avdeev (University of Amsterdam), and Joel Christoph (European University Institute) join podcast host Laura Rumbley to introduce themselves and tell us more about their research projects. What sparked their interest in pursuing a doctoral degree, how do they expect their research to make an impact on actual practice within the field, and what are they hoping to achieve during this year of EAIE funding? Tune in to find out more! About Eveke de Louw, Stanislav Avdeev, Joel Christoph Eveke De Louw is an experienced internationalisation practitioner and an expert in curriculum internationalisation, with more than 20 years of experience. In her professional career at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Eveke has held key coordinating roles, including International Student Coordinator, Team Leader, and Senior International Officer. She has also chaired various committees and played a leading role in curriculum design projects. She is currently a researcher and academic developer on internationalisation of the home curriculum at the Centre of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. In this role, she executes action-research projects exploring the role of the academic discipline in curriculum internationalisation and supports programme teams through training and consultancy. Stanislav Avdeev is a PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Amsterdam. As an empirical microeconomist with a strong interest in the economics of education and health, his research focuses on the quasi-experimental estimation of policy reforms using administrative and survey data. His advisors are Hessel Oosterbeek and Bas van der Klaauw. Joel Christoph is a PhD Researcher in Economics at the European University Institute. His work examines how incentives and institutions can advance public goods, with current research focused on internationalisation in European higher education and the design of policies that align student mobility with inclusion and quality goals. He has contributed policy analysis and commentary to international outlets and collaborates with networks that connect research to practice. Joel works in several European languages, which supports engagement with diverse stakeholders across the European Higher Education Area. Through practitioner-facing initiatives, he helps translate evidence into practical tools for institutions and public bodies. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Research Snapshot library → UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) → OECD "Education at a Glance" reports

110. Diving into delegation visits

From handshakes and sharing cultural highlights to photo opportunities and campus tours, delegation visits are activities many HEIs across the globe spend a lot of time on. But how can your institution move from simply making these visits happen to ensuring maximum partnership impact? At the EAIE conference in Gothenburg earlier this year, the Thematic Committee Partnerships organised a Spotlight Session zooming in on this topic. How can you transform delegation visits, both incoming and outgoing, into strategic mechanisms for creating new partnerships and strengthening partnership development? In this episode of the EAIE podcast, host Laura Rumbley talks to three IHE practitioners working within the field of partnerships who are closely involved in delegation visits. Eve Brosseau is the Associate Director of Global Relations and Partnerships at University College Dublin (Ireland); Catalina Gerstmann is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; and Garrett Margliotti is the Director of Global Partnerships and Partner Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh (USA). Together with these three experts, we dive into the world of delegation visits and how institutions can ensure they are meaningful and impactful for all involved. About Eve Brosseau Eve Brosseau is the Associate Director of Global Relations and Partnerships at University College Dublin (Ireland). Eve leads the team responsible for managing global partnerships, institutional networks, and UCD’s engagement with Una Europa and Erasmus+ funded projects. She oversees the development and delivery of partnership strategies that advance the university’s global engagement objectives. Her role also encompasses global relations, including the coordination of inbound and outbound delegations and diplomatic engagement. Focused on fostering meaningful collaboration, Eve works closely with academic and professional colleagues to strengthen UCD’s global presence and strategic partnerships. About Garrett Margliotti Garrett Margliotti is the Director of Global Partnerships and Partner Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh (USA), where he leads the Office of Global Partnerships and Services — a one-stop hub supporting faculty and staff in advancing the university’s international collaborations and operations. With almost two decades of experience in higher education and global engagement, Garrett focuses on building sustainable partnerships that connect Pitt’s research and teaching mission with institutions and organisations worldwide. A lifelong advocate for international education and creative exchange, Garrett also maintains an artistic practice through Stratford Studios, his stained-glass design business based in Pittsburgh. About Catalina Gerstmann Catalina Gerstmann is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She has held this position since 2022, during which she has led work with university partners, engaged in international diplomacy, and built institutional networks. Within her role lies identifying and supporting key collaborations with international partners aligned with the university’s mission, organising high-level delegation visits in and out, and maintaining, evaluating, and engaging with strategic networks. Additional resources → Spotlight Session Partnerships 2025 - roundtable notes → Harnessing the power of evaluation to build better partnerships → Remapping international partnerships

109. The transatlantic relationship today

Between 17 and 21 November 2025, the United States is focusing on International Education Week, a suitable time to reflect on the transatlantic relationship between the US and Europe, especially in light of recent developments in this field. Earlier this year, in September, colleagues at the Institute of International Education (or IIE) and the German Academic Exchange Service (known as the DAAD) co-authored a report titled “Transatlantic Mobility in Higher Education and Research: A Cornerstone of Transatlantic Relations”. This publication offers a multifaceted set of insights into the movement of researchers, academics and students between the United States and Europe over time. Laura Rumbley welcomes three guests: Jason Czyz (President and CEO of IIE), Mirka Martel (IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning) and Michael Hörig (Director of the DAAD’s Brussels Office, as well as the lead author of the recent IIE-DAAD report). Through their insights, personal and professional, we learn more about the transatlantic relationship today and the recent report addressing it. What led to this publication, what are some of the key highlights, and why is the transatlantic relationship so important? About Jason Czyz Jason Czyz is the President & CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), leading an organisation that, for the past 100 years, has advanced scholarship, built economies and promoted international exchange. During his tenure, Jason helped solidify IIE’s position as a strategic partner to the US government’s public diplomacy and educational exchange initiatives. At the same time, the Institute increased its capacity to fund rescue and emergency initiatives for displaced artists and scholars. Before joining IIE, Jason worked extensively in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Central and South Asia on legal reform, utility regulation and infrastructure privatisation projects. About Mirka Martel Mirka Martel is Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning at the Institute of International Education (IIE). She manages research and evaluation projects specialising in international education, leadership and development. Mirka’s oversight of key resources, including the historic Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange and the Project Atlas research initiative on global student mobility, advances the field and provides strategic insight into the future of academic mobility flows in the United States and worldwide. About Michael Hörig Michael Hörig is the Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Brussels Office and is responsible for representing DAAD towards the institutions of the European Union, European partner organisations and German representations in Brussels. Previously, he held different positions at DAAD, including Head of Division Strategic Planning, Head of Section ‘Development Cooperation: Partnership Programmes, Alumni Projects and Higher Education Management’ and Head of Section ‘West and Central Africa and the Centres of African Excellence.’ Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Report: ‘Transatlantic Mobility in Higher Education and Research: A Cornerstone of Transatlantic Relations’ → Report: ‘The Transatlantic Economy 2025’ → Report: Using Data to Open Doors

108. Making space for mental health

Every year on 10 October, we observe World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide. While mental health is a topic that touches all of us, this EAIE podcast episode zooms in on student mental health: an area that continues to receive more attention but is still occasionally overlooked or underestimated. Navigating new cultures, academic pressures, and social isolation can take a toll on student well-being, making mental health support not just a service, but a lifeline. In this EAIE podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley explores best practices that empower both students and HEIs to discuss this topic openly and act accordingly. Sophia Schmieder is the Programme Director of the Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS), and she shows how her HEI stepped up with a strong good-practice example. Efe Berke Akkaya, president of ESN Türkiye, discusses the importance of mental health for international students and the initiatives ESN has taken to address these issues, particularly the Erasmus Psychological Assessment project. Whether you’re a student, educator, or policymaker, this conversation invites you to join in, reflect, and possibly even act. About Sophia Schmieder Sophia Schmieder is the Programme Director of the Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS), the multidisciplinary short-term study abroad programme of Freie Universität Berlin. She has been leading the programme for almost 20 years and has extensive experience in developing international education formats that combine academic excellence with student well-being. Under her direction, FUBiS welcomes around 600 students from more than 40 countries each year to its three academic terms in Berlin. Sophia is particularly interested in creating inclusive, supportive learning environments and in fostering intercultural understanding through short-term international education. About Efe Berke Akkaya Efe Berke Akkaya is the current National President of ESN (Erasmus Student Network) Türkiye. Efe was born in Samsun, Türkiye, in 2001. His life took a transformative turn at 17 when he joined the AFS Programme and went on an exchange to León, Spain. Immersed in an international community for the first time, he developed a deep passion for intercultural exchange and international education—values he has carried with him ever since. In 2021, Efe joined the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and has remained an active member ever since. He first served as the Local President of ESN Kadir Has, where he led initiatives to support and engage international students on campus. His dedication then took him to the national level, where he completed a mandate as National Vice President. Today, Efe serves as the President of ESN Türkiye. In this role, he works daily to support international students and promote mobility programmes across the country, continuing the mission that first inspired him years ago in Spain. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Erasmus Psychological Assessment Booklet - by ESN Türkiye → Mental health & wellbeing support at FUBiS → EAIE Podcast: Stephanie Griffiths: Mental health: our shared responsibility → EAIE Blog: Coaching students towards emotional health

107. Getting our heads around AI

Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) has also made its way into the world of international higher education, and it is here to stay! At the 2025 EAIE conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, the topic of AI was addressed and discussed in various sessions and settings, and we’re continuing the conversation in this instalment of the EAIE podcast. There’s a whole world of AI out there to explore. Still, in this episode, we are particularly focusing on the potential applications of AI within the fields of marketing, recruitment and admissions, as well as student mobility. EAIE Podcast host Laura Rumbley talks to Brian Piper, an author and award-winning international keynote speaker who decided to dive into the world of AI in 2021. Brian shares insights into how AI can be utilised in student recruitment, the ethical considerations that need to be taken into account and the AI developments that are most likely to have a significant impact on IHE marketing in the next few years. Laura is also joined by Noah Charpentier, a student in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, as well as the national president of ESN Belgium. Noah shares the student perspective on the topic of AI, exploring how students utilise AI, the main differences in approach to AI between students and staff and what aspects of the future of AI excite him the most. About Brian Piper Brian Piper is an author, award-winning international keynote speaker, and consultant. Brian has been optimising digital content since 1996. He has created online training programmes for dozens of companies, including Xerox, L3Harris, IBM, and Volvo, and has spoken at hundreds of conferences and events. He has spent the last eight years focusing on data analytics, digital marketing, and content strategy. Since 2021, he has been diving into AI, web3, community building, and the metaverse. Brian was named one of the top higher education marketers to follow in 2023 and 2024. When he’s not creating data visualisations, he teaches wingsuit skydiving and spends time with his wife and six children. About Noah Charpentier Noah Charpentier (he/him) is the current National President of ESN (Erasmus Student Network) Belgium, where he manages 18 local sections and works to improve the lives of international students while promoting greater and better access to mobility. Alongside this, he’s a Bachelor’s student in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. In April 2025, he co-created and presented the session ‘Er-AI-smus: how will AI impact mobility?’ at the Erasmus Generation Meeting 2025 (Ancona), where he discussed how AI could transform student mobility and support IROs. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Cynthia Alby, Sandra Slotte, Jeroen Ouburg: A chat with real people about AI → How AI is shaking up higher education → Exploring Generative AI in IHE → Coimbra Group - AI and Digital Competence through Higher Education position paper

106. Go-create: Counting down to Gothenburg!

The countdown to the EAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition in Gothenburg has begun! Between 09 and 12 September 2025, many topics within the world of international higher education will be discussed during sessions, networking events, informal gatherings, and the opening and closing plenaries. As we look toward this exciting gathering, EAIE podcast host Laura Rumbley had the pleasure of interviewing both of our esteemed plenary speakers for this year, Andreas Ekström and Melati Wijsen. In these short getting-to-know-you chats with Andreas and Melati, various topics are addressed, ranging from their perspectives on international living and learning to how they interpret this year’s conference theme, Go-create. Get a sneak peek at what’s on the minds of this year’s keynote speakers and what they plan to talk about in Gothenburg by tuning in to this EAIE podcast episode! About Andreas Ekström Andreas Ekström is a Swedish journalist, author and digital futurist and has been a leading commentator on all things digital worldwide. He is a senior staff writer and columnist at Sydsvenskan, a daily morning paper in Malmö, Sweden. As a seasoned reporter with extensive experience covering the field, Ekström offers valuable insights into how the worlds of media, business and politics are shaped by the leading digital power players globally. He is also an author of several books; ”The Google Code”, published in 2010, made him a household name in the Nordics. His latest in English is called “On Finding”. About Melati Wijseen Melati Wijsen is an international full-time changemaker and embodiment of youthful energy. With a passion for the natural world and a commitment to protecting it for future generations, she founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her younger sister in 2013 at 12. After years of committed campaigning by many, Melati and her community celebrated the passing of a ban on plastic bags, straws and styrofoam on the island of Bali. Melati has developed a passion for environmental education and policy change. This led her in 2020 to the World Economic Forum as part of their first-ever official youth cohort. She also sat on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize. In 2021, she premiered her film, Bigger Than Us, at the Cannes Film Festival. Building on ten years of change-making, Melati continues to share what she’s learnt in classrooms, boardrooms, and world stages through her company, YOUTHTOPIA. She is an in-demand speaker on the global stage, including opening for President Barack Obama at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. She has also given two TED talks and spoken at the UN headquarters in New York, all before turning 21. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Gothenburg 2025

105. Rainbow realities in IHE

The current times offer a rich and varied landscape of terms, terminology and acronyms that encompass matters of gender and sexuality. From LGBTQ to LGBTQA+ to LGBTQ+2S, within the international higher education field, we often see the term ‘rainbow community’ used to capture the full scope of this picture. Notably, in the EAIE Barometer, third edition (2024), 32% of respondents indicated the topic ‘ inclusion and diversity’ to be of particular professional/personal interest, and it continues to be top of mind amongst IHE professionals, especially considering the turbulent times we currently find ourselves in across the globe. In this EAIE podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley is joined by two practitioners from the field who share a common interest: they are both active supporters of the Rainbow Community at their institutions in their unique ways. Dirk Van Waelderen is Head of the Mobility Office at the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, Belgium, and Nahoko Nishiwaka is Assistant Manager for the Japanese Language Programme at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan. Laura talks with her guests about what it means to view rainbow realities through an international higher education lens, some of the key challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ students and staff in both Europe and Japan, and shares some good practices to follow. About Dirk Van Waelderen Dr. Dirk G. Van Waelderen is Head of the Mobility Office at the Faculty of Economics and Business of KU Leuven. He has been working in the field of internationalisation for almost 26 years. He has published several articles on education and internationalisation and presented at seminars (also with poster presentations at EAIE and ERACON). At KU Leuven, he was promoted to Doctor with his research in Early Modern History on the portrayal of the Ottomans in the Spanish and Austrian Netherlands. He previously studied at KU Leuven and the Katholieke Hogeschool Brussel (now Odisee). At KU Leuven, he graduated with a thesis on the Ottomans and the siege of Vienna. During his studies at the latter university, he also participated in an exchange at the "Institut Orientalistique" de l’Université Catholique de Louvain. About Nahoko Nishiwaka Nahoko Nishiwaka is Assistant Manager for the Japanese Language Programme at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan. With over 10 years of experience in international student mobility, she has worked on both inbound and outbound programmes. During her graduate studies in International Higher Education at Boston College (USA), she developed a strong interest in LGBTQ⁺ student support. Upon returning to Japan, she founded the Kandai Ally Network at Kansai University, leading ally training initiatives to create an inclusive and equitable environment for LGBTQ⁺ students. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → How to support the international mobility of LGBTQIA+ students → Walking the talk in inclusion and diversity → Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness: Leading with kindness to foster an inclusive environment

104. Eyes on Erasmus+

Since the start of the Erasmus+ programme in 1987, some 15.1 million people have been provided with the opportunity to study, train, work and volunteer abroad. In 2025, a mid-term review of the 2021–2027 Erasmus+ programme will provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current programme, while efforts are underway to shape the next edition of Erasmus+ for 2028–2034. Many eyes are on Erasmus+ just now, at this important moment for reflection and strategic planning for the future of the European Union’s flagship initiative for international education. Host Laura Rumbley welcomes Stefan Zotti, Deputy Head of Unit Higher Education at the European Commission (DG EAC), into the EAIE podcast studio to learn more about these developments from directly inside the Commission, including some perspective on what’s been positive and what’s been challenging about the mid-term evaluation of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme process, and some reflections on what the financial outlook for the next programme might look like. This podcast episode also includes a second interview with young filmmakers Timea Barocz and Vincent Imperato. As Erasmus+ alumni themselves, Timea and Vincent were passionate about sharing their experiences with others, which led to the creation of the Erasmus Generation film. They share how the film came to be made, what they hope its impact will be, and what their most important takeaways from their Erasmus+ experience are. About Stefan Zotti Stefan Zotti is Deputy Head of Unit at the Higher Education in the European Commission (DG EAC). He holds a PhD in Catholic Theology and a master’s degree in European Studies. He has extensive professional experience in national and European public administration, including serving as an adviser to the Austrian Minister for Science and Research and a cabinet member of Commissioner Johannes Hahn (Regional Policy, 2010-2013). Before rejoining the Commission 2020 as team leader for the Jean Monnet actions in DG EAC (until 2024), he was Director of the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD-GmbH) and Vice-President of the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA). Since 2012, he has been a lecturer on EU policies at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences. About Timea Bárocz Timea Bárocz is an event and project manager working with an NGO that supports Hungary’s startup ecosystem. She is deeply passionate about community-based initiatives and the power of intercultural connection. Originally from Transylvania, Tímea’s life took a transformative turn when she participated in an Erasmus exchange programme in Sweden—an experience that broadened her worldview and later on sparked her journey into documentary filmmaking. Together with her partner, she co-created The Erasmus Generation, her debut as lead production manager. From concept to release, Tímea oversaw communications and project management, bringing her strong organisational skills and heartfelt belief in the Erasmus mission to the screen. About Vincent Imperato Vincent Imperato is a documentary filmmaker, director and producer. He began working in video advertising during his teenage years and as a camera assistant on documentaries for NHK in Italy. After attending the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, where he studied “Cinema, Photography, and Television,” he worked in VR video production in London, with a brief experience in Los Angeles. After that, he decided to refocus on his passion for documentary filmmaking, applying his sensitivity to images and people, and founded his own production company specialising in narrative documentaries and reportage. The Erasmus Generation is his first feature-length documentary.

103. Language education in Europe today

When crossing borders across Europe and the world, we often find ourselves not only in a different country but also facing a different language. But what is the state of language learning in Europe today? With the widespread uptake of English across the globe, especially within IHE, is there still a need to immerse yourself in new languages? Laura Rumbley talks to Susanna Slivensky, Deputy Director and Head of Programmes of the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML), and Gerit Jaritz, a language teacher and teacher educator at Thurgau University of Teacher Education (PHTG) in Switzerland. In the interview, we learn more about the ECML, the general health and well-being of language learning in Europe today, minority languages, and the role of languages for democratic culture in Europe. We also hear from two young people with a passion for languages about why they decided to move into language education, and why learning a language is still important in the modern day and age. About Susanna Slivensky, Gerit Jaritz, Evgenia Neftetzidou, Emma Phelan Susanna Slivensky is the Deputy Director and Head of Programmes of the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML). Before she joined the ECML in 2005, she worked at universities in Germany, Austria, and Japan as a lecturer, associate professor, and executive director of a university language and international study centre. She has more than two decades of experience in language teaching. Gerit Jaritz has worked as a language teacher and educator at Thurgau University of Teacher Education (PHTG) in Switzerland since 2005. Before starting her professional career at PHTG, she worked as a language teacher at secondary school level in Switzerland and the UK. Gerit Jaritz is also the Head of PHTG’s international office and has extensive experience in the internationalisation of teacher education. She is part of the project team for the European project ‘Pluriwell: Fostering the plurilingual wellbeing of language teachers’, which runs from 2024 to 2026 and is supported by the European Centre of Modern Languages. Evgenia Neftetzidou was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. Growing up, she had the opportunity to travel extensively across Europe, which sparked her early passion for languages, cultural exchange, and adventure. While completing her Business Administration degree, she began working as an Operations Manager at a vacation resort. Her passion for human connections and cross-cultural interactions led her to intern at the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) in 2024-2025. Emma Phelan is an English as a second language teacher, working specifically in higher education in English for Specialised Purposes (LANSAD - Langues pour Spécialistes d’Autres Disciplines). With a linguistics and theatre background and a keen interest in language learning and cross-disciplinary communication, she draws on her academic and professional experience in the arts to bring a dynamic, communicative approach to the classroom. Originally from Manchester, UK, she is currently based between the College of Human Sciences and the College of Health, University of Bordeaux, France. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → ECML website → Intercomprehension: a linguistic bridge to intercultural understanding → English as a medium of inspiration → Bessie Dendrinos: Multilingualism matters

102. Learning from the ultimate mobility crisis

Going abroad for a study exchange or mobility period is often described as a positive and life-changing experience. While many take this wonderful experience with them throughout their lives, there are also cases where disaster strikes and a mobility experience has an unexpected outcome. Laura Rumbley talks to international HE professionals who went through such an experience together and were willing to share their stories with others to learn from. Tineke van der Gaast (Head of International Relations, Coordinator Internationalization, lecturer of Intercultural Competence & Dutch Culture at Rotterdam Business School) and Lourdes Zilberberg (Director International Office and Confucius Institute Director at FAAP - Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado) talk about the importance of trusting your international partners, learning from difficult experiences and what they did when forced to deal with the ultimate mobility crisis. Laura is also joined by Dr Amelia Dietrich, Senior Director for Research and Publications at The Forum on Education Abroad, who shares useful information on data collected for the Student Risk Report. About Tineke van der Gaast Tineke van der Gaast has worked at Rotterdam Business School, Rotterdam UAS, the Netherlands, since 1999. Currently, she manages international relations with universities worldwide, coordinates exchange programmes for incoming & outgoing exchange students (academic part), and teaches Intercultural Competence (3-year course) in the International Business programme. During her studies in Hotel Management, she went to Indonesia for a year in 1992 and worked there for another two years. Coming from a small village in Fryslân (northern Netherlands), it was a huge culture shock and a steep learning curve in terms of intercultural and personal/professional development. About Lourdes Zilberberg Lourdes Zilberberg is Director International Office and Confucius Institute Director at FAAP - Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado. Originally from Montevideo, Uruguay, her international relations background brought her to São Paulo, Brazil, where she began working at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) as the Director of the International Office and, more recently, as the Local Director of the Business Confucius Institute at FAAP. Lourdes has lived abroad for over 23 years and completed an MBA in Brazil in partnership with a university in the United States, a master’s degree in Portugal, and a PhD in Argentina. As a practitioner, professor, and researcher, she has dedicated her entire professional career to supporting and studying the Internationalization of Higher Education, Interculturality, and Intercultural Competence. About Dr Amelia Dietrich Dr Amelia Dietrich is the Senior Director for Research and Publications at The Forum on Education Abroad and Managing Editor of Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad. A former Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow, Amelia leads The Forum’s original research and publishing initiatives to highlight best practices, maximize the impact of education abroad for students, institutions and communities, and identify promising practices on the leading edge, including the State of the Field Survey, the Student Risk Report, and the Standards in Action book series. Amelia facilitates professional development workshops on the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad and lends her expertise to project-based consultancies and comprehensive reviews. She serves on the IIE Open Doors Study Abroad Working Group and the Advisory Board for the Center for Research on Abroad and International Student Engagement.

101. DAAD 100th anniversary

1925 was the year in which Europe found itself in an interwar period. It was also the moment when The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) was established with big aspirations. Now, in 2025, DAAD is celebrating its 100th anniversary and taking a moment to look back at its century-long history filled with notable phases and inspiring developments. Why was the DAAD established in 1925, and how has the organisation evolved over time? What is currently important to know about the status of internationalisation in Germany? And what is on the horizon for DAAD in the coming years? In this EAIE podcast episode, Laura Rumbley talks to Dr. Kai Sicks, the Secretary General of the DAAD, about this 100-year milestone. We also get to hear from two people across the globe for whom the DAAD made a big difference in their lives. Dr. Luis Pocasangre received a DAAD scholarship and now works as Director of the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE) in Costa Rica. Dr. Dorothee Weyler also once received a scholarship from DAAD, which made her fall in love with Africa. She is still working as a director for the DAAD Regional Office in Eastern Africa. Join us in celebrating 100 years of the DAAD by listening to this latest EAIE podcast episode! About Kai Sicks Dr. Kai Sicks has been Secretary General of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) since April 2021. He studied German Studies and Political Sciences in Frankfurt/Main, Cologne and Vienna. In 2008, he completed his Ph.D. in German Literary Studies. He was a research scholarship holder at the German Historic Institute in Washington, D.C. and Cornell University (USA). From 2008 until 201,3, Dr Sicks acted as coordinator of the European PhD Network in Literary and Cultural Studies (PhDnet) at the International Graduate Center for the Study of Culture (University of Giessen). He also worked as managing director of the Bonn Graduate Center and director of the University of Bonn’s International Office. About Prof. Dr Luis E. Pocasangre Prof. Dr. Luis E. Pocasangre is the Director of the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE) in Costa Rica. He obtained an M Sc. in Plant Breeding at CATIE Costa Rica in 1992, and in 2000, he was awarded a PhD at Rheinische Friedich-Wilhelms Universitaet, University of Bonn, Germany, for his research on biological control of plant parasitic nematodes and Panama Disease using endophytes. He has worked as principal scientist of Bioversity Internationally for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)) and Director of Research at Del Monte and EARTH University. Dr. Pocasangre has a lot of experience in international agriculture and has been a mentor to over 90 young scientists from Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. About Dorothee Weyler Dr. Dorothee Weyler is the Director of the DAAD Regional Office Eastern Africa in Nairobi. She studied Biology at the University of Bonn, where she was assistant to the Vice Chancellor for two years. She completed her PhD thesis in Cameroon on Medical Entomology as a DAAD Scholarship holder. She ran her own malaria research project, which has been published in multiple journals. She also holds a Diploma in European Environmental Law. Before taking over the position of Director of the DAAD Regional Office in Nairobi in January 2024, she oversaw DAAD scholarships in Africa. She worked as an expert on institutional building in higher education in Africa for the DAAD, where she gained a wealth of experience in implementing cooperation projects between German and African higher education institutions.

• Transcript

100. The stories we’ve told

It all started in September 2020: the very first episode of the EAIE podcast series, titled ‘The Stories We Tell.’ We had no idea what our podcast adventure would look like and how long we would last. Yet, here we are: roughly 4,5 years later and still going strong! With a total of 142 individual guests from 36 different countries, the EAIE podcast has focused on all kinds of topics with one main thing in common: a link to international higher education. From marketing and recruitment to language learning and student mobility, we’ve covered a lot of ground, and in this special 100 episode of the EAIE podcast, we look back at the stories we’ve told. Podcast host Laura Rumbley is joined by Jody Hoekstra-Selten, Knowledge Development Officer at the EAIE and one of the faces behind the podcast. Together they share facts and figures of the podcast series over the years, the episodes that were most listened to, and those that are particularly special to them. We also provide a peak behind the scenes, meeting EAIE team members involved in the podcast and some of their personal favourite episodes. And if you’re curious to hear what the podcast has in store for 2025, be sure to take a listen. Join us in celebrating the 100th episode of the EAIE podcast by tuning in now! About Laura Rumbley Laura Rumbley is the Director for Knowledge Development and Research at the EAIE, and the host of the EAIE podcast series. With more than 25 years of experience in the field of international higher education, she has held a variety of different roles, including international student, practitioner, assistant professor, researcher, editor and consultant. Laura holds a PhD from the Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) at Boston College (USA), where her dissertation focused on internationalisation in the universities of Spain. From 2014 to 2024, Laura was a co-editor of the Journal of Studies in International Education (JSIE); she now serves on JSIE's editorial advisory board. About Jody Hoekstra-Selten Jody Hoekstra-Selten is the Knowledge Development Officer at the EAIE. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Western Literature and Culture and a Research Master’s degree in Literary Studies, both at Utrecht University (NL), she has been working within the field of (international) education policy since 2012. Starting out as Policy Advisor for Higher Education at the NRTO (the Dutch Council for Training and Education), she also spent eight years at the British Council in various roles, including Exams Operations Manager and Head of Education for the Netherlands. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, visit our podcast page to listen to and explore the entire catalogue of episodes.

• Transcript

99. Piet van Hove & Flora Bastiani: A philosophical take on international education

As proclaimed by UNESCO in 2002, the third Thursday of November is World Philosophy Day. While philosophy and international higher education (IHE) might not immediately be considered a straightforward combination, there are many ways in which the art of philosophy can complement people’s personal and professional lives. During the 2024 EAIE Conference in Toulouse, France, a session was dedicated to the philosophical foundations of our work in international higher education, which gathered quite an audience. With World Philosophy Day just behind us, the EAIE podcast takes the opportunity to dive into this topic and see where philosophy and IHE can meet. In this episode, host Laura Rumbley talks to Flora Bastiani, senior lecturer in Philosophy at Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès University (France) and a specialist in the thought of Emmanuel Levinas and Henri Maldiney, and Piet van Hove, Programme Manager for the HEROES Alliance, at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, and former EAIE President (2022-2024). Why is philosophy important, and what can it bring to our daily life and work? In what ways is the work of Levinas especially relevant to the work of IHE? And how can IHE professionals use philosophy to help with the important balance between working and private lives? Tune in to this EAIE podcast episode to learn more! About Piet van Hove Piet van Hove is the Programme Manager for the HEROES Alliance at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Belgium. HEROES is part of the latest group of Alliances selected for funding by the European Commission under its flagship ‘European Universities’ scheme. It brings together nine professional higher education institutions across Europe, focusing on ‘smart regional resilience’. Piet has been active in international higher education for almost three decades, working for the University of Antwerp and taking up leadership roles in various international organisations. He served as Vice President and later President of the European Association for International Education (EAIE) from 2020 to 2024. Piet is a board member of Taith (Wales) and the NGO Apopo. About Flora Bastiani Flora Bastiani is a senior lecturer in philosophy at Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès University, a researcher in health ethics and a specialist in the thought of Emmanuel Levinas and Henri Maldiney. In her work, she proposes a micro-philosophy of relationships and develops a new concept of the phenomenon of the "ensemble" (togetherness). She is also responsible for the Master's degree "Éthique du soin et recherche" (Philosophy, Law, Health) at the University of Toulouse. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Toulouse 2024 - "A moment of reflection: The philosophical foundations of our work in international higher education" → ‘Philosophie du soin critique. Penser la relation en réanimation, en soins intensifs et dans le prélèvement d'organes‘ → General introduction to the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas

• Transcript

98. Sandra Rincon & Scott Darby: The importance of international alumni

Alumni are an important stakeholder group in higher education institutions across the world. An engaged alumni network can not only help an institution to benefit from the experiences and skills of its graduates, but alumni can also make a significant impact on individual students by providing mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities. A possible alumni relationship starts the moment a prospective student engages with an institution and can be the key to a treasure box filled with possibilities and opportunities. But how does an institution build up an alumni network, and what is in it for the alumni themselves? In this EAIE podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley talks to Sandra Rincon, a consultant on Global Stakeholder Engagement with Purpose, and Scott Darby, former President of the OCEANS Network, both experts on the topic of international alumni. So, what do we mean when discussing the international alumni lifecycle? Why should alumni matter to institutions? And what are some of the key challenges and opportunities within this area today? About Sandra Rincon Sandra Rincon works as a consultant on Global Stakeholder Engagement with Purpose. She believes in building communities to promote diversity as a pillar to innovate a more inclusive, sustainable, and kinder world. She dedicates her professional time as a trainer, researcher and author. She has co-authored the book ‘Engaging International Alumni as Strategic Partners’; edited a resource guide, ‘Alumni Connection’; hosted Brite Ideas, a podcast for advancement professionals;, and founded the Holland alumni network-NL to support international students and alumni navigate the Dutch labour market. She is finalising her PhD research on the SDGs and student-alumni engagement at Tilburg University. As a recognised leader in international education (PIE, 2023) and consultant with +30 years of experience, Sandra advises and trains professionals in governments and higher education institutions. She often publishes in professional literature on global engagement. About Scott Darby Scott Darby works as a Solutions Engineer for Inenco Group in the UK, where he produces carbon reports and helps companies move towards net zero. Scott has two Masters degrees in Aird Land Studies and studied in Sheffield (UK), Lubbock, Texas (USA), and Berlin (Germany). He is passionate about restoring degraded land and has worked in Australia, Libya, Lebanon and Somaliland. After his studies, he was elected President of the OCEANS network, an Erasmus alumni organisation, and he is still heavily involved as a member of the Advisory Board. Scott is back in Sheffield, UK, to start and raise a family. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Global communities driving the SDGs → 4 tips for leveraging alumni networks for recruitment → 3 questions to ask before engaging alumni in virtual marketing and recruitment → How international alumni relations advance the agenda → OCEANS website